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Cognitive Therapy and Research

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01-10-2006 | ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Fear of Blushing: The Role of the Expected Influence of Displaying a Blush on Others’ Judgements

Auteurs: Peter J. de Jong, Madelon L. Peters, Corine Dijk, Eveline Nieuwenhuis, Henk Kempe, Julia Oelerink

Gepubliceerd in: Cognitive Therapy and Research | Uitgave 5/2006

Abstract

Objectives

To explain blushing phobics’ fearful preoccupation with blushing, this study investigated the anticipated consequences of displaying a blush on others’ judgements of the self and of the incident. We tested whether especially in the context of ambiguous situations that may be interpreted as a transgression, individuals would expect negative consequences of their blushing, and whether this effect is most pronounced in relatively high blushing fearful individuals.

Design and method

Using a vignette approach, participants (N = 36) with variable levels of blushing fear were instructed to imagine that they did or did not started blushing (i) after a mishap and (ii) in situations that are more ambiguous in their meaning.

Results

Independent of situation, participants indicated to expect a positive rather than a negative influence of blushing on others’ judgements of the self and of the incident. Unexpectedly, this pattern was even most pronounced in relatively fearful individuals.

Conclusion

The results are in conflict with the idea that fear of blushing is fuelled by overestimating the undesirable communicative effects of blushing in ambiguous situations. In addition, the results seem to imply that different processes are involved in judging blushing others and judging other’s views of themselves when displaying a blush.

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The vignettes that were used in this study can be obtained upon request from the first author.

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Titel: Fear of Blushing: The Role of the Expected Influence of Displaying a Blush on Others’ Judgements
Auteurs: Peter J. de Jong
Madelon L. Peters
Corine Dijk
Eveline Nieuwenhuis
Henk Kempe
Julia Oelerink
Publicatiedatum: 01-10-2006
Uitgeverij: Kluwer Academic Publishers-Plenum Publishers
Gepubliceerd in: Cognitive Therapy and Research / Uitgave 5/2006
Print ISSN: 0147-5916
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-2819
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-006-9040-y

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Abstract

Objectives

Design and method

Results

Conclusion

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